The Minnesota Movie Digest: Eleanor’s Big Bold Beautiful Journey

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Minnesota Movie Digest features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

Finally back in MN after a terrific TIFFTY (TIFF50),  The MN Movie Man is publishing capsule reviews of the 40+ films he caught in Toronto on his Instagram, and has full reviews of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Ballad of a Small Player, and The Last Viking over at Loud and Clear Reviews.  Also at Loud and Clear Reviews, check out his reviews of Eden and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed the following titles: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Him, and Swiped.

Brian also released an entry from his essay series, The Definitives, from behind the paywall. His piece about Cabaret (1972) is now available to the public for free.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Over on my website, I have an early review for Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, and my first crack at a TV review for Netflix’s Black Rabbit. 

On my Instagram stories, I have started voting for the 2024 movie tournament. You can watch a breakdown of the bracket in this video.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed A Big Bold Beautiful Journey and Him. He also recapped his time at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed My Sunshine and Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

We have reviews for three new releases this week over on the website, two now in theaters and one available on Hulu!

• [Early Review] A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025)
• [Early Review] Swiped (2025)
• [Early Review] HIM (2025)

You can also find my review of Superman, which is now streaming on HBO Max!

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob didn’t talk much about film this week. Instead, he has reviews for Season 4 of “The Morning Show” and the upcoming Season 5 of “Slow Horses“, both on Apple+!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik published one review this week, covering “Spın̈al Tap II: The End Continues” (2025).

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews!

THE MORNING SHOW Cast Interviews with Mark Duplass, Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard, and Jeremy Irons

Ben Wang Interview – THE LONG WALK

THE LONG WALK review

DOWNTON ABBEY Cast Interview with Hugh Bonneville, Allen Leech, Kevin Doyle

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE review

MATERIALISTS Blu-Ray review

Follow Paul on social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, on YouTube, and on Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Him
• Twinless
• Friendship

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Megadoc
• A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
• Him
• Afterburn
• Chain Reactions
• Waltzing with Brando
• Compulsion
• Swiped
• Xeno
• Doin’ It
• Night of the Reaper
• Prisoner of War
• The Senior
• London Calling
• Just Breathe

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Mac and Me
• 5 Dead on the Crimson Canvas
• The Maiden
• Take Off

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Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Long Walk to The Baltimorons

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Minnesota Movie Digest features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed:

• The Baltimorons
  • The History of Sound
  • The Long Walk
  • Lurker
  • Rabbit Trap
  • Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
  • Traumatika

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles on the KARE 11+ app. The crew discussed The Long Walk and The History of Sound, and also looked back at the Safdie brothers’ Good Time (2017). Watch the episode.

And Brian returned to KARE 11 Saturday to recommend Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, The Long Walk, and The Baltimorons.

Finally, on Brian’s Patreon, he wrote exclusive reviews of The Toxic Avenger and The Conjuring: Last Rites.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

Hunter has returned from the Toronto International Film Festival. He saw a whopping 38 films over the 10 days, an improvement over last year’s total of 37! Here are the full reviews he’s written so far, with many more to come closer to each film’s theatrical release:

• The Wizard of the Kremlin
• No Other Choice
• The Testament of Ann Lee
• Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
• Rental Family
• Hamnet
• Frankenstein
• Ballad of a Small Player

You can also check out his Letterboxd list to see his full rankings.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed The Luckiest Man in America, Swiped, and Twinless.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, you can find reviews for two new releases of very different genres. One of them is my favorite movie of the year so far!

[Early Review] The Long Walk (2025)

[Early Review] Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025)

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob has a review for Spike Lee’s newest, Highest 2 Lowest, as well as the new June Squibb-starring dramedy Eleanor the Great.

On the awards side of things, there are September Oscar Nomination Predictions and  2022 Yearly Restrospective Awards!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik has published two reviews for this week:

“KPop Demon Hunters” (2025): An Original Sensation – The Oracle

“Highest 2 Lowest” (2025): A fresh joint rolled from an old classic – The Oracle

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed recent releases “Caught Stealing” and “The Long Walk.” He also released his annual Summer Movie Awards, with “The Phoenician Scheme” winning seven categories.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Highest 2 Lowest
• The Long Walk
• The Long Walk (Video Review)
• Vice is Broke

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
• Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
• Code 3
• Tin Soldier
• Looking Through Water
• The Man in My Basement
• The Conjuring: Last Rites
• The Long Walk
• Twinless
• The Cut
• The Threesome
• Splitsville
• The Baltimorons
• Caught Stealing

Blu-ray/UHD Review:

• Teenage Gang Debs
• Yongary, Monster from the Deep
• The Card Player
• Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
• A New Leaf
• A Girl’s Best Friend

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

• Interview with director/actress/artist Alex Rumsey
• Review: The Long Walk

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Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Caught Stealing Roses

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Minnesota Movie Digest features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

Before heading out (or is it uuuuut???) to Canada for TIFF, The MN Movie Man published a number of reviews for new releases that you’ll want to check out.  Check out write-ups for Caught Stealing, The Roses, Griffin in Summer, Lurker, Pools, The Toxic Avenger (2023), The Thursday Murder Club, Somnium, and A Little Prayer.  

Keep your eyes out on Loud & Clear Reviews for an early look at Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, coming on Wednesday 🙂

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed The Roses, Caught Stealing, The Balconettes, Row, Honey Don’t, and Eden.

Brian also appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles on the KARE 11+ app. He and critic Jamie Rogers discuss three films: Highest 2 Lowest, Weapons, and The Great Dictator (1940).

Finally, check out the announcement about Imprint, the physical media label of Via Vision Entertainment, which will be releasing a new 4K edition of Philip Kaufman’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) in October, featuring Brian’s essay about the film in the booklet.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Tons of new content on my website from the past few weeks. 

Brand new review of Caught Stealing, which I’ve seen twice already.

Plus, reviews for The Thursday Murder Club, Honey, Don’t!, and The Map That Leads to You. 

You can also read a half dozen or so short reviews in my Cinema Catch-Up Corner for August. 

Follow me on YouTube, where you can watch my newest episode of Tales From the Theater, where I talk about movie-going experiences from my European vacation and beyond.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

For The Tangential, Jay reviewed Hot Milk.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over at the GOAT Film Reviews site this week, you can find a new review for Jay Roach’s The Roses, now in theaters!

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

Review for Caught Stealing

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern reviews Caught Stealing.

Nick from The St.Paul Filmcast joins The Vern to discuss The Florida Project in this exclusive sneak peek.  Coming this month, it’s Sean Baker September.

Jaws celebrates its 50th anniversary, so The Vern brings on his friend Robb from Reels of Justice to talk about it.  Stay to the end to hear an audio drama recreation of the famous Quint Speech from the movie.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric is charmed by Uptown Girls!

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob has a review for A24’s re-release of the Chinese box-office phenomenon Ne Zha 2!

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has 3 new reviews on The Feed: “The Roses,” “Caught Stealing,” and “The Map That Leads to You.” She also has two new auteur lists on Letterboxd: The Films of Darren Aronofsky and The Films of Lasse Hallström.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with a few new reviews and interviews for this week!

CAUGHT STEALING review

THE ROSES review

THE ROSES Cast Interviews with Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Samberg, and Kate McKinnon

“Fox9 Good Day” Segment – Movies Made in Minnesota

Follow me across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP , on Letterboxd, and on YouTube

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• Caught Stealing
• Weapons
• KPop Demon Hunters

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• The Toxic Avenger
• A Little Prayer
• The Roses
• American Sweatshop
• Griffin in Summer

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Slaxx
• The Rage: Carrie 2
• We’re No Angels
• Ash

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

• No Tears in Hell
• Queen of Bones
• The Descendent

St. Paul Filmcast interview with actor Jay Kistler

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Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Honey, Dont!

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Minnesota Movie Digest features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

The world is about to get TIFF-y for The MN Movie Man, but he’s getting things set to keep the reviews coming while he’s away in Canada.  This week, he has new reviews of Primitive War, Relay, and Eenie Meanie.  He’s also posted reviews for new physical media releases you’ll want to check out: Xanadu, Coneheads, Save the Tiger, Gung Ho, Repossessed, and Saving Face.

At Loud & Clear Reviews, check out his ranking of the 30 Best Movie Scores of All Time and let him know how many of the titles on his 10 Best Movies You’ve Never Seen you’ve already crossed off!

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

The NYT described one of these new crime films as Weird and Sometimes Cruel and the other as brimming with Cheap Thrills and Tawdry Action. Naturally, Matt reviewed them both. 

Honey Don’t!

Eenie Meanie

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

Over at the GOAT Film Reviews site this week, you can find a review for the 5th Highest-Grossing movie of all time, Ne Zha 2, which opened this weekend, courtesy of A24! [Early Review] Ne Zha 2

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric Houston rocked out to the Rocky Horror Picture Show semi-sequel Shock Treatment!

Jakob Kolness – JakobTalksFilm

Over at JakobTalksFilm, Jakob has a review for Ethan Coen’s new dark comedy, Honey, Don’t!

Also, with one month to go before the 77th Emmys, he takes a look at every contender in the Comedy, Drama, and Limited Series categories to pick his preferred winner in each category.

Be sure to follow him on Twitter, BluSky, and Letterboxd!

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed Spike Lee’s new film “Highest 2 Lowest” and the modern indie western “East of Wall.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul’s back with more interviews and reviews!

WEAPONS review

Ashley Cullins Interview – Writing Scream Oral History “Your Favorite Scary Movie”

PLATONIC Season 2 review

Luke Macfarlane Interview – Platonic Season 2

Follow him across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, on Letterboxd, and on YouTube

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Eenie MEanie
• The Thursday Murder Club
• What We Hide
• Pools
• Honey Don’t!

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Strangers with Candy
• Rust
• Queens of Drama
• Kill the Moonlight

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Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Highest “Nobody 2” Lowest

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Minnesota Movie Digest features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

You can check out The MN Movie Man‘s new logo when you head over to his main page, but stick around for reviews of Weapons, Freakier Friday, It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, and Shaman.  Plus, he’s been doing some catching up on reviews that never quite made it past the finish line — so keep your eyes peeled for a slate of new reviews of titles that have come out in the first half of 2025.

At Loud & Clear Reviews, check out his reviews of the remake of ’80s favorite Witchboard, Sketch, a look back at 1998’s Great Expectations, and a ranking of the Top 10 Horror-Thriller-Suspense films of all time.

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

Matt Clark – Kino Ventura

Matt reviews the new darkly comedic crime/western – Americana

The guys over at The Trylove Podcast were gracious enough to let Matt nerd out hard over The Rocketeer (1991): Pinecast – Apple – Spotify

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Highest 2 Lowest, Nobody 2, Red Sonja, and Les Musiciens.

For his Patreon subscribers, he posted a new entry in his essay series, The Definitives, about Rob Reiner’s classic mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap (1984).

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Three new reviews on the website this week:

Highest 2 Lowest from director Spike Lee

Nobody 2, the sequel to 2021’s Nobody, starring Bob Odenkirk 

Night Always Comes, a Netflix vehicle starring Vanessa Kirby 

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Nobody 2 and Highest 2 Lowest.

Kyle Goethe – Goat Film Reviews

This week, you can find an Early Review for Nobody 2, which is now in theaters, over on the website, as well as a review for one of the funniest movies of the decade!

[Early Review] Nobody 2 (2025)

[Early Review] The Naked Gun (2025)

Chaz Kangas – Bring Me the News

“Taking on the Nightmareathon” – a short documentary filmed during the dog days of summer 2024 about an attempt to endure an all-night six movie marathon on Shudder hosted by Joe Bob Briggs

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has a new review on The Feed: “Highest 2 Lowest.” She also has two new auteur lists on Letterboxd: The Films of Spike Lee and The Films of Akira Kurosawa.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed several recent releases, including “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” “The Naked Gun,” “Sorry, Baby,” “Freakier Friday,” “Weapons,” and “Nobody 2.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

• Nobody 2
• Nobody 2 (Video Review)
• Fixed
• War of the Worlds (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Highest 2 Lowest
• Relay
• Nobody 2
• Americana
• Night Always Comes
• Red Sonja
• East of Wall

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers
• The Rule of Jenny Pen
• Abigail
• Charley One Eye

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Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: Freaky Weapons

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Minnesota Movie Digest features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following new releases:

• Weapons movie review

He also has classic movie reviews for the following Coen brothers’ movies:

Inside Llewyn Davis movie review

Blood Simple movie review

Raising Arizona movie review

Miller’s Crossing movie review

No Country for Old Men movie review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Weapons and Suspended Time.

Additionally, he appeared on the latest episode of The CineFiles to recommend Together, The Naked Gun, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

New reviews are up for Freakier Friday and the new Prime Original, The Pickup. As always, these reviews and many others are available on my website.

If you’d like to see my reviews in short video format, you can go to my Instagram or YouTube.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern reviews two newly released movies:

• Lindsey Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis return for more body switching fun in Freakier Friday
• A young girl and her estranged father try to survive against vengeful gangsters and corrupt cops in She Rides Shotgun.

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has three new reviews on The Feed: “Platonic” season two, “The Naked Gun,” and “She Rides Shotgun.” She also has two new franchise ranking lists on Letterboxd: Barenaked (“Naked Gun”) and Let’s Get Freaky (“Freaky Friday”).

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is busy catching up on the latest movies and TV series worth watching! Check out some of his latest reviews and interviews:

FREAKIER FRIDAY review

THE PICKUP review

WEDNESDAY Season 2 review

Luke Macfarlane Interview for PLATONIC Season 2

“Fox9 Good Day” segment – Classic Summer Movies

Follow me across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, YouTube, and Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• War of the Worlds
• She Rides Shotgun

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Weapons
• Freakier Friday
• Boys Go to Jupiter
• Strange Harvest
• My Mother’s Wedding
• Ebony and Ivory
• The Pickup

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• The Dark Half
• Hell of a Summer
• Let’s Scare Jessica to Death
• Grave of the Fireflies

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Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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Follow Us On Social Media
Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Naked Shotgun

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Minnesota Movie Digest features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

As we welcome the last month of the summer movie season, The MN Movie Man is looking ahead to the fall festival season. He’ll be in Canada for the Toronto International Film Festival’s 50th Anniversary in September.  There’s still a mighty amount of movies to review before then, though, and this week he has reviews of House on Eden, Oh, Hi!, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, She Rides Shotgun, The Naked Gun (2025), and Together (2025).  

At Loud & Clear Reviews, he has reviews of the Pete Davidson horror film The Home and a look at the 30 Best Movie Soundtracks of All Time Ranked, plus a ranking of the Top 10 Horror-Thiller Movies of all time.  Check out his staff writer page on the site for additional coverage this week of the new film Sketch, a look back at 1998’s Great Expectations, and a ranking of the Top 10 Horror-Thriller-Suspense films of all time.

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Together and The Naked Gun.

Additionally, he appeared on KARE 11 Saturday to recommend Together, The Naked Gun, and Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cloud.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted a Reader’s Choice review of Kurosawa’s Pulse (2001).

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Over at DallasGoestotheMovies, Dallas has reviews for She Rides Shotgun, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, as well as four short reviews in July’s Cinema Catch-Up Corner.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed The Naked Gun.

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

Review for The Naked Gun

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, the new, Liam Neeson-led “Naked Gun”; Laurel and Hardy have the “Battle of the Century”; Kelly Reichardt’s “Certain Women”; Dalton Trumbo’s “Johnny Got His Gun”; Schwarzenegger and Belushi in “Red Heat”; and one of the best episodes of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”.  Follow the link.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with a review and interviews for the new film TOGETHER. It’s one of the best horror movies of the year

TOGETHER Review

TOGETHER Interview with Dave Franco, Alison Brie, and writer/director Michael Shanks

Follow me across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, YouTube, and Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• The Naked Gun
• The Naked Gun (Video Review)
• The Shrouds (Video Review)

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Sketch
• The Naked Gun
• The Bad Guys 2
• Trouble Man
• She Rides Shotgun
• Together
• Rich Flu
• War of the Worlds

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• Iron Angels
• Iron Angels II
• Iron Angels III
• Destroy All Neighbors

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

• The Naked Gun
• She Rides Shotgun

Actress REHANA POWER on Podbean, check it out!

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Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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The Minnesota Movie Digest: The Fantastic Happy Gilmore

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Minnesota Movie Digest features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following new releases:

• Happy Gilmore 2 movie review
• Bring Her Back movie review
• How to Train Your Dragon movie review

He also has a classic movie review for Moneyball (2011).

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Sorry, Baby from writer-director Ava Victor, the MCU’s Fantastic Four: First Steps, and the rom-com Oh, Hi!  (as a “Short Take”).

Brian also appeared on The CineFiles for KARE 11, where he joined co-hosts Jamie Rogers and Chris Hrapsky to discuss Eddington and Sorry, Baby.

For his Patreon subscribers, Brian posted an early review of NEON’s Together, starring Allison Brie and Dave Franco.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

At The Cinema Dispatch, Hunter reviewed Sorry, Baby and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

Zach’s reviews of EDDINGTON and SORRY, BABY, and a mini-review for THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern gives his thoughts on two very different movies: The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Eddington.

On the Cinema Recall Podcast, Jason reposted episodes defending Showgirls & Showgirls 2: Penny’s from Heaven.

Eric Houston – North Metro TV

Movie Man Eric Houston thinks Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps is simply fantastic.

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, “Blink Twice”; Mike Nichols’ adaptation of “Catch-22”; a revisionist take on the Gunfight at the OK Corral in “Hour of the Gun”; Ealing’s wicked “Kind Hearts and Coronets”; Nicolas Roeg adapts “The Witches”; and Paul Auster’s “City of Glass”. Follow the link.

Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes

Catherine has three new reviews on The Feed: “Sorry, Baby,” “Oh, Hi!” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” She also has a new list ranking the “Fantastic Four” films on Letterboxd: Fantastic Forays, and she attended the open house for FilmNorth’s new location, highlighting it on the Veg Out Instagram.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik wrote one review this week, covering the final season of Squid Game.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

Paul is back with some new reviews and interviews to share!

The Fantastic 4: First Steps review

Star Trek: Strange New World Season 3 Cast Interviews

Final Destination: Bloodlines 4K Review

Warfare 4K review

Sinners 4K review

Don’t forget to follow Paul across social media @PaulsMovieTrip, on YouTube, and check out his profile on Letterboxd

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

• The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Video Review)
• Sorry, Baby

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Happy Gilmore 2
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• Oh, Hi!
• Monster Island
• The Home
• Osiris

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• The Golden Child
• Swimming to Cambodia
• The Devil at Your Heels
• Breathless

Nicholas Palodichuk – St. Paul Filmcast

Film Reviews:

• The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• Eddington
• Oh, Hi!

Interview with writer/film director JONATHAN ROGERS (THE MIRROR OF AMUM-RA) on Podbean, check it out!

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Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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Instagram: @mncritics
Twitter: @MNCritics

The Minnesota Movie Digest: I Know What The Smurfs Did Last Summer in Eddington

Welcome to The Minnesota Movie Digest, the official newsletter from the Minnesota Film Critics Association (MNFCA)!

The MNFCA is a collective of individuals dedicated to celebrating and critically examining the art of film. In this recurring publication, we’ll share a selection of insightful film reviews, absorbing essays, and interviews with film professionals.

Each issue of The Minnesota Movie Digest features a diverse array of perspectives and content. Our members have shared their most recent work with us, covering the latest releases and revisiting classic films that dissect the craft of filmmaking. Explore the links below and get a front-row seat to critically examine the art of film.

Check out the MNFCA Members page to meet our all-star lineup.

And now… The Minnesota Movie Digest.

Joe Botten – The MN Movie Man

The July heat hasn’t stopped The MN Movie Man from staying on top of his reviews for his site and contributing to Loud & Clear Reviews.  On his page, he has reviews of Superman, Sovereign, Eddington, and the legacy sequel, I Know What You Did Last Summer. 

At Loud and Clear Reviews, there are reviews of two new Netflix series, Lena Dunham’s Too Much and Eric Bana’s Untamed.  Check out the reviews to see which one is worth the binge.  Speaking of Nettflix, Joe’s reviews of The Old Guard 2, new as is a look back at The Wiz, part of Sidney Lumet month to coincide with that 1978 musical’s recent debut in The Criterion Collection on 4K.  There’s also a piece up on David Cronenberg’s Dead Ringers, to close out a month celebrating the Canadian director. Finally, find out if Alicia Silverstone’s new thriller Pretty Thing is a must-see or, like, totally clueless.

Be sure to follow The MN Movie Man on Instagram, Letterboxd, TikTok, and Facebook for his weekly early looks at upcoming films and other updates between newsletters!

Eli Brau – Cinephile Corner

Eli has a few new pieces this week over on Cinephile Corner. In their movie reviews section, he has reviews for the following new releases:

Heads of State movie review

Cloud movie review

The Amateur movie review

Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review

On Deep Focus Review, Brian reviewed Ari Aster’s Eddington and Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cloud.

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Over at my website, I reviewed the new dark comedy Oh, Hi!, which is in theaters on July 25th. I also reviewed Eddington and Superman in a short video format after seeing them both in French movie theaters.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

Jay reviewed Oh, Hi! for The Tangential.

Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall

The Vern and Ashley give their thoughts on the biggest blockbuster of the summer on this bonus episode of Cinema Recall: James Gunn’s Superman can’t decide the tone it wants

The Vern writes a review of a fun short film with some really good acting: Liquor Bank (short film review)

On this full episode of Cinema Recall.  The Vern brings in guest Robert Yaniz jr of Crooked Table Media to talk about Richard Linklater’s animated feature, Waking Life: Waking Life (2001) w/ Robert Yaniz Jr

C.B. Jacobson – Picturegoer

In this week’s issue of the “Picturegoer” newsletter, thoughts on “Babygirl”; Charlie Chaplin’s “Burlesque on Carmen”; “The Order”; “Play It As It Lays”; “Total Recall”; and “Taxi”.  Follow the link.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

Erik has two new film reviews for this week: Superman & Materialists.

Matthew Liedke – Liedke on Film

At his site, Liedke reviewed a pair of politically charged films, “Sovereign” and “Eddington.”

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Mark McPherson – Movies With Mark

Film Reviews:

I Know What You Did Last Summer

Brian Orndorf – Blu-Ray.Com

Film Reviews:

• Fixed
• I Know What You Did Last Summer
• Eddington
• Smurfs
• Eden
• Saint Clare
• Guns Up

Blu-ray/UHD Reviews:

• St. Elmo’s Fire
• Jade
• Lost Country
• The Monkey

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Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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The ever-rising temperatures mean that summer is in full swing. It also signals that we’ve reached the bottom of the hour of 2025. To mark the occasion, several MNFCA members shared their opinions on what they think has been the best of the year so far, as well as their overall thoughts on cinema. Everyone was given free rein with the assignment, so you’ll see different approaches throughout the article. Use these prompts to dig deeper into each member’s work and experience the rest of the year with them!

Dallas Fisher – Dallas Goes To The Movies

Whether or not you think 2025 has been a strong movie year, you can’t deny that it has brought forth what it means to be human in many genres. From a married couple mixed up in a spy drama to brothers fighting their way through racists and vampires, the human spirit prevails through these films. I say all that just to give you my top ten of the year, through June.

10. Materialists
9. Presence
8. The Gorge
7. Bring Them Down
6. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
5. The Life of Chuck
4. The Assessment
3. Sinners
2. Black Bag
1. Warfare

I’m excited to see what the next six months hold and what changes may happen to this ranking.

Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch

Normally, my mid-year/end-of-year write-up would consist of a ranking of the ten best films, plus a few honorable mentions. Considering that the first half of 2025 has been a bit of a letdown, I’m only going to talk about one film that stands head and shoulders above the rest: Dea Kulumbegashvili’s April.

April is the cruelest month, and, despite my best efforts, Minnesota audiences had to experience that as this Georgian masterpiece failed to make an appearance in any of our great cinemas. It’s a great shame, because this is a film that demands to be seen within the confines of four darkened walls, not because of extravagant visual effects and booming sound effects, but for the opportunity it gives us to break away from our world and be transported to a different one. Absolute patience and concentration are a prerequisite, with any glances at your phone or minor distractions at home stripping away the spellbinding effect Kulumbegashvili has crafted.

Ia Sukhitashvili reunites with Kulumbegashvili after their 2020 film Beginning, this time playing an OB-GYN named Nina who performs secret abortions for girls who need them. Viewers of Vera Drake back in 2004 may have been able to assuage themselves that the harrowing events took place in the 1950s before The 1967 Act made abortion legally protected in the United Kingdom. No such relief comes from within April, with the hostility towards women being felt in every frame.

The boxed-in and closed-off nature of all these proceedings keeps both us and Nina isolated as to what is fully happening in this part of the world. Between the unsettling abstract visuals at the beginning of the film and the brutal real-life truths about bodily autonomy, this is one of the most bone-chilling films of the year.

My full review of the film can be read at The Cinema Dispatch and the Eden Prairie Local News.

Jay Gabler – Duluth News Tribune

Uncertainty reigns in 2025, as the film industry continues to reel (so to speak) from the recent strikes, with more disruptions to come. What does it even mean to put a “100% tariff” on a movie? Still, there are developments that give hope. Production is recovering here in northern Minnesota, with the potential for cameras to roll soon on the highest-budget film to be made here since North Country (2005).

Nationally, it’s been heartening to see the commercial and critical success of Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s richly atmospheric vampire movie. The fact that Coogler won contract terms that will lead to him ultimately owning the movie is further evidence that not all changes happening in Hollywood are for the worse.

Zach Hammill – Movie Friend

I think 2025 is off to a solid start, and with exciting films from Spike Lee, Paul Thomas Anderson, Guillermo Del Toro, Edgar Wright, Ari Aster, and many more, I think the best is yet to come. Admittedly, I’ve been a bit more selective about what I see than I have been in the past, but the best of what I’ve seen are:

Sinners – Ryan Coogler serves the best of 2025 so far, and the most original film in years, by a mile. The fact that I don’t immediately think of it as a horror film first is a testament to its power.

Friendship – Best comedy in a decade. I’ve seen it three times now, and it gets better with each viewing, peeling back layers that reveal issues such as narcissism and loneliness, cleverly buried in big, stupid laughs and an absolutely bonkers lead performance.

The Phoenician Scheme – Feels like the Wes Anderson who made THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL remaking his own THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS. Exquisite and ornate as usual, but with a pall of death over it that brings about urgency to correct the wrongs of the past, no matter who convoluted the scheme. Many laugh-out-loud scenes.

Black Bag – Steven Soderbergh’s sly spy thriller that’s more interested in the inner workings of relationships, but intimate (like the marriage at the center) and everyday (at the agency). 

Mickey 17 – Bong Joon-Ho’s follow-up to PARASITE is an absolute gas: it’s one part EDGE OF TOMORROW and one part STARSHIP TROOPERS but with a gentle soul, and a very sweet performance by Robert Pattinson.

Materialists – Celine Song’s sly, clinical, pragmatic, and ultimately romantic follow-up to her achingly beautiful debut PAST LIVES is freshly popped popcorn (albeit with more salt) that both bucks and satisfies the trends and tropes of “chick flicks.”

Thunderbolts* – The most exciting Marvel movie in years. Steadfast, clear-headed, impeccably designed, exceedingly well-acted, and deeply moving. I’m not a Marvel diehard… and I loved it.

Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle

The first six months of 2025 have had some great films released, far more so than last year. My top 5 favorite films from the first half of the year are:

1. “The Phonecian Scheme” by Wes Anderson.
2. “Materialists” by Celine Song.
3. “Sinners” by Ryan Coogler.
4. “The Life of Chuck” by Mike Flanagan.
5. “Mickey 17” by Bong Joon-ho.

Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter

Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies

We’re halfway through 2025, and there have been some terrific movies in theaters. Original stories! Blending genres! Life-changing, inspiring stories! Movies that push the boundaries of filming! Here are Paul’s Top 5 Movies of 2025 (So Far…)

1. SINNERS
2. THE LIFE OF CHUCK
3. MATERIALISTS
4. PRESENCE
5. F1: THE MOVIE

As always, follow me across social media @PAULSMOVIETRIP, follow me on Letterboxd, and check out my website and YouTube channel for more movie reviews and celebrity interviews

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Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿

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